Hoʻōla Farms is recognized as Veteran Spouse Owned Business of the Year by The Rosie Network

[HILO, HAWAII, November 4th, 2021] — Executive Director Emily Emmons of Hoʻōla Farms in Hilo has been nationally recognized for enhancing the quality of life for Hawaiʻi veterans, their caregivers, and their families through agriculture education, training, and hands-on experiences.

Emily is the proud recipient of The Rosie Network’s 2021 Military and Veteran Spouse Owned Business of the Year Award, which, according to the organization’s website, “recognizes a military spouse who has the vision… and possesses the management skills to create a successful business enterprise.”

Ho`ōla Farms offers a variety of programs that connect veterans—and even civilian homesteaders interested in farming—with agricultural opportunities, such as ‘Growing Veterans’ AgXcel Program with GoFarm Hawaiʻi, ‘Bridging the Gap,’ ‘Victory Gardens,’ and more. They also offer informative and healing retreats for veteran families and caregivers. Among their most innovative programs is Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car, an online Farmer’s Market with weekly curbside pickup in Keaʻau, which provides a convenient and safe way for farmers to sell directly to local consumers.

Emily credits the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, a national nonprofit which empowers and supports over 5.5 million military caregivers and family members in the U.S., for providing her with the opportunity to work alongside fellow entrepreneurs through The Rosie Network.

“It’s an honor to receive this award knowing how many amazing military-spouse-owned businesses prevailed this year, despite a global pandemic. To my fellow caregivers who have dreamt of starting their own business but just haven’t taken the next step or donʻt know where to start, I can assure you that The Rosie Network provides a safe space and opportunity to work through your vision, so you can make it a reality!” she said.

To learn more about Hoʻōla Farms and their programs, or to contact Emily, visit hoolarfarms.org or call (808) 494-2613. To register to shop or become a vendor with Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car farmer’s market, visit hawaiifarmtocar.com.

Hoʻōla Veteran Services 501(c)(3), d.b.a. Hoʻōla Farms was established in 2015 to provide natural agriculture educational training and hands-on experiences for veterans, caregivers, and their families along with the community in hopes of creating a more sustainable future and well-being for all.